Base practices wartime operations Published Dec. 8, 2006 By Ed Drohan 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- Even though the holidays may be just around the corner, members of Team Pope must still be prepared to deploy, fight and survive in a deployed environment on short notice. Anybody who doesn't think so needs only look at Operation Just Cause in December 1989 for proof that holidays don't stop emergency deployments. In that spirit, Pope personnel assigned to the 43rd Airlift Wing and 23rd Fighter Group will be participating in an Operational Readiness Exercise Monday through Friday. This exercise will consist of both a Phase 1 - getting out of town, and Phase 2 - operating in a deployed environment, said Maj. Jeff Ausborn, chief of Wing Exercises. Units are expected to operate around the clock as they would in a deployed location, Major Ausborn said, with unit control centers manned and activated for the exercise. All personnel assigned to the 43rd AW and 23rd FG will be participating in the exercise, to include wearing chemical gear and gas masks, unless specifically exempted. The entire base will transform to Base X approximately halfway through the exercise, and everybody will be considered in the deployed location. All exercise participants should review their Airman's Manuals (AFMAN 10-100) before the exercise kicks off Monday so they are prepared operate in the "deployed" environment. Some things to remember (all page references are to AFMAN 10-100): - Practice dress out: Check your mask canister, the size and fit of your mask. Attach the hood to the mask and check that you have M-9 tape available. - Mask: Certify your inspection on the DD Form 1574 (yellow tag). Enter the date of inspection on the back of the tag, your initials and the due date of the next inspection (seven days in wartime or during inspections like the ORE). (Page 206) - Canteen and M-1 Cap: Drinking water in a chemical environment will be necessary for survival. Keep your canteen full of water and know how to drink using the M-1 canteen cap. (Pages 171-172) - Pacing: Know your work rest cycle information. Only mission essential work is performed during Alarm Black; otherwise rest, conserve energy and stay inside or in a safe area. (Page 216) - Personal Decontamination Kit: Inventory it and know how to use the M-291 Decontamination Kit (for blister and nerve agents only). (Pages 174-175) - Atropine and 2-Pam Chloride: Know when to use them, in what order, and where to store them (for use with nerve agent, and store in the inside pocket of mask carrier). (Page 146) - Pre-Attack: Protect assets by covering them with plastic. Attach M-8 paper to buildings, vehicles and other assets. (Page 77) - Trans-Attack: Take cover in your bunker or building. Hold your breath and don your mask, gloves and helmet. (Page 93) - Post Attack (Alarm Black) : Survey for damage, injuries, unexploded ordnance and contamination, and provide first aid as necessary. Observe M-8/M-9 paper for contamination and report information to the Unit Control Center or to the facility manager for forwarding to the Group Control Center. (Page 126) All personnel should also be familiar with the various alarm signals and what actions to take when they are sounded. Standard alarm signals will be used for this exercise. - Alarm Green: Attack is not probable. Continue attack preparations or recovery actions and remain alert for hazards. MOPP 0 is in effect unless otherwise directed by the commander. - Alarm Yellow: Attack is probable in less than 30 minutes. Individuals who are not performing mission essential tasks or functions report to their assigned shelter or seek the best possible cover. Assume MOPP 2 or as directed by the commander. - Alarm Red (Audible wavering tone, red flags displayed): Attack by air or missile is imminent or in progress. Assume Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) 4 or as directed by the commander. - Alarm Red, Ground Attack (Audible bugle call-to-arms, red flags displayed): Your location is under attack by a ground force, or an attack will begin within minutes. Assume MOPP 4 or as directed by the commander. For a small arms attack, take a defensive position behind cover. Prepare to defend yourself, your area, and watch out for Security Forces or other friendly forces. For a mortar or rocket attack, take cover or lay prone in a low-lying area. If you see where the mortars or rockets are being fired from, notify Security Forces as soon as possible using the S-A-L-U-T-E format (Size, Activity, Location, Unit, Time, Equipment). - Alarm Black, Initial Release: This condition indicates an attack is over. Damage, injuries and contamination may be present but not yet marked or reported. Individuals will remain under overhead cover until otherwise directed, should perform self aid-buddy care as necessary, and immediate decontamination. Continue in MOPP 4. - Alarm Black, PAR Release: This condition initiates base recovery. Actions started in Alarm Black, Initial Release should continue, and unit PAR teams will begin surveys. Continue in MOPP 4.